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PHILADELPHIA — An abandoned prison would seem creepy enough around Halloween. Now add
blood-curdling screams and gruesome characters who can reach out and grab you.

That’s the formula for “Terror Behind the Walls,” the signature scarefest at Eastern State
Penitentiary in Philadelphia, which is billed as the nation’s largest haunted house outside an
amusement park and staged for several weeks each fall.

With its castlelike walls and decaying cellblocks, the deserted complex already conveys a
menacing air. What better place for gory scenes and sinister sound effects?

“The building is abandoned ... and it was built to intimidate,” said Sean Kelley, director of
public programming. “People travel from all over the country to come here for Halloween.”

As daring souls slink and cringe their way through the decaying property, deranged prisoners
accost them for stepping on the wrong turf, overwhelmed guards scream for help, and infirmary
patients howl in pain under the care of disturbed doctors.

For the easily frightened, there always has been some comfort knowing that the actors can’t
actually touch them. This year, the bravest visitors can opt for a glow-in-the-dark necklace that
indicates their willingness to interact with performers.

Raj Kumar, who wore the necklace, said he got squirted with water while his wife was pulled
through a secret tunnel.

“It’s much more nerve-racking once you have the (necklace) on and you know people are sneaking
up on you,” Kumar said.